Inlet control regulating valve

Abstract

The pressure reducing valve 200 includes a valve body 201 defining a flow path and a flow restricting element 212 within the flow path. A sensing element 220 is configured to modify a position of the flow restricting element 212 in the flow path. A pressure chamber 226 is configured to transmit a force to the sensing element 220 based on a pressure of a fluid within the pressure chamber 226. An accumulator 232 is in fluid communication with the pressure chamber 226. The pressure reducing valve 220 includes a control circuit 242 configured to enable fluid to flow into or be discharged from the pressure chamber 226 to change the pressure in the pressure chamber 226.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 16 / 917,632, filed June 30, 2020, entitled “INLET CONTROLLED REGULATION VALVE”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to pressure regulating valves. Background Technology

[0003] Pressure regulating devices are frequently used in industrial and residential systems designed to deliver fluid flows to one or more gaseous or liquid fluid loads. These devices can be used to deliver or maintain the delivered fluid within predetermined pressure parameters, selected based on factors such as system integrity, process control, various equipment limitations, and / or other reasons. Pressure regulating devices operate by sensing pressure fluctuations and making corrective adjustments near the pressure setpoint. Such devices can be used within fluid delivery systems to maintain pressure downstream or upstream of the equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In the example described herein, a pressure regulating valve is configured to control fluid pressure in a fluid circuit (such as a header in a fluid distribution system) by using a flow-limiting element to reduce the pressure of a higher-pressure fluid. The pressure regulating valve is configured to use a sensing element to locate the flow-limiting element. The pressure regulating valve includes a pressure chamber and a valve configured to allow fluid with fluid energy to flow into the pressure chamber. The pressure chamber is configured to deliver a first portion of the fluid energy to the sensing element and a second portion of the fluid energy to an accumulator. The accumulator is configured to use the second portion of the fluid energy to generate stored energy and may be configured to apply pressure to the pressure chamber when, for example, the pressure in the pressure chamber decreases. The valve may be configured to allow fluid to flow from the inlet of the pressure regulating valve into the pressure chamber.

[0005] In some examples, the pressure regulating valve includes control circuitry configured to determine the pressure at the outlet of the pressure regulating valve and compare the outlet pressure with a pressure setpoint. In response to this comparison, the control circuitry can increase or decrease the pressure in the pressure chamber. The control circuitry is configured to increase and decrease the pressure by controlling the position of at least one or more valves. For example, the control circuitry can increase the pressure in the pressure chamber by at least causing a valve to allow fluid with fluid energy to flow into the pressure chamber, and decrease the pressure in the pressure chamber by at least causing a valve (the same or different valve used to increase the pressure in the pressure chamber) to allow fluid in the pressure chamber to drain from the pressure chamber.

[0006] This disclosure also describes exemplary techniques for using pressure regulating valves to regulate pressure.

[0007] In one example, this disclosure relates to a pressure regulating valve comprising: a flow limiting element; a valve body defining a pressure chamber; one or more valves in fluid communication with the pressure chamber, wherein the one or more valves are configured to allow fluid having fluid energy to flow into the pressure chamber; a sensing element configured to locate the flow limiting element using a first portion of the fluid energy; and an accumulator configured to generate stored energy using a second portion of the fluid energy, wherein the pressure chamber is configured to deliver the first portion of the fluid energy to the sensing element, and wherein the pressure chamber is configured to deliver the second portion of the fluid energy to the accumulator.

[0008] In another example, this disclosure relates to a pressure regulating valve comprising: a valve inlet; a valve outlet; a flow-limiting element between the valve inlet and the valve outlet; a valve body defining a pressure chamber; an inlet pressure line located between the valve inlet and the pressure chamber; an outlet pressure line located between the valve outlet and the pressure chamber; and one or more valves in fluid communication with the pressure chamber, wherein the one or more valves are configured to allow fluid having fluid energy to flow from the valve inlet to the pressure chamber through the inlet pressure line, and The device comprises: a pressure chamber configured to allow fluid in the pressure chamber to be discharged from the pressure chamber to the valve outlet via the outlet pressure line; a sensing element configured to use a first portion of the fluid energy to locate the flow-limiting element; and an accumulator configured to use a second portion of the fluid energy to generate stored energy, wherein: the pressure chamber is configured to deliver the first portion of the fluid energy to the sensing element, the pressure chamber is configured to deliver the second portion of the fluid energy to the accumulator, and the accumulator is configured to use the stored energy to apply pressure to the fluid in the pressure chamber.

[0009] In another example, this disclosure relates to a method comprising: delivering a fluid having fluid energy to a pressure chamber of a pressure regulating valve using one or more valves; delivering a first portion of the fluid energy to a sensing element using the pressure chamber; delivering a second portion of the fluid energy to an accumulator using the pressure chamber; positioning a flow-limiting element using the sensing element and the first portion of the fluid energy; and storing energy using the accumulator and the second portion of the fluid energy.

[0010] Details of one or more examples are set forth in the following figures and description. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the specification, figures, and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an exemplary fluid system.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an exemplary pressure regulating valve that includes an accumulator.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an exemplary pressure regulating valve including a three-way valve.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an exemplary pressure regulating valve including a spring component.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary technique for controlling pressure in a fluid circuit. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Pressure regulating valves are used in industrial and residential applications to control the pressure of fluids in fluid circuits. In some exemplary systems, the pressure regulating valve is located between a higher-pressure main circuit and one or more lower-pressure branch circuits. A pressure regulating valve positioned in this way can manipulate the fluid flow supplied from the main circuit to compensate for increases or decreases in demand from one or more branch circuits, increases in pressure in the main circuit, or some other load disturbance or combination of load disturbances.

[0017] For example, in some water distribution systems, pressure regulating valves can be used between pumping stations and pipeline networks serving consumers to maintain a substantially constant water pressure within the pipeline network as demand fluctuates among consumers. As another example, in some natural gas transmission systems, pressure regulating valves can be used to reduce gas pressure from transmission lines to distribution taps serving communities. In industrial settings such as chemical processing plants and refineries, pressure regulating valves can be used between multiple main and secondary branch loops to control various processes involving precise control of one or more fluids, or to provide a relatively steady-state pressure to air or water service branches experiencing unpredictable temporary demand. Pressure regulating valves are frequently used to substantially maintain downstream or upstream pressure because many end-user fluid demands require fluids to be delivered to secondary branches or held in main branches according to predetermined pressure parameters.

[0018] In the example described herein, a pressure regulating valve (PRV) is configured to help control flow from a higher pressure main circuit to a lower pressure branch circuit. The PRV includes a valve body that defines a flow path from the PRV inlet to the PRV outlet. The PRV is configured to allow fluid (e.g., a liquid or gas) to flow through the flow path to maintain a pressure substantially at or near the PRV outlet, depending on a pressure setpoint. For example, the PRV may receive fluid flow from the higher pressure main circuit via the PRV inlet, reduce the pressure according to the pressure setpoint, and provide a lower pressure fluid flow to the branch circuit via the PRV outlet. The PRV may provide lower pressure fluid at a pressure substantially equal to or within a range near the pressure setpoint (e.g., within about 1% to about 30% of the pressure setpoint, such as within 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, or 1% of the pressure setpoint).

[0019] The PRV includes a flow-limiting element between the PRV inlet and outlet, which works in conjunction with other components of the PRV to define a flow region for the flow path. The PRV is configured such that fluid flowing through the PRV experiences a pressure drop (e.g., head loss) at least partially due to impediment to the flow-limiting element as it travels through the flow region. The PRV is configured to translate the flow-limiting element to alter the spatial and / or impediment characteristics of the flow region, which changes the pressure drop experienced by the fluid as it travels through the PRV. When the PRV bridges a higher-pressure main loop and a lower-pressure branch loop, control of this pressure drop via the PRV allows for control of downstream pressure (e.g., at the PRV outlet).

[0020] The PRV includes a sensing element (e.g., a diaphragm or piston) configured to move and translate a flow-limiting element. The sensing element is configured to move based on the difference between a first force exerted by fluid (e.g., a liquid) in the pressure chamber of the PRV and a second force exerted by fluid within the flow path of the PRV. In an example, the first force tends to increase the flow area of ​​the flow-limiting element (e.g., move the flow-limiting element in the opening direction), while the second force tends to decrease the flow area (e.g., move the flow-limiting element in the closing direction). During operation, the sensing element is configured to establish the position of the flow-limiting element based on a balance between the first and second forces, such that changes in the first force (e.g., exerted by fluid in the pressure chamber) and / or changes in the second force (e.g., exerted by fluid within the flow path of the PRV) alter the pressure drop experienced by the fluid as it flows through the PRV. Thus, when the second force is exerted by fluid in the flow path downstream of the flow-limiting element, the PRV can be configured to translate the flow-limiting element in response to changes in downstream pressure (such as changes in pressure in a branch loop supplied by the PRV outlet).

[0021] For example, when the pressure on the low-pressure side of the PRV (e.g., downstream of the flow-limiting element) increases, the second force acting on the sensing element can increase, causing the flow-limiting element to move in the closing direction and reduce the flow area. The reduced flow area increases the pressure drop of the fluid flowing through the flow-limiting element, thereby reducing the downstream pressure. When the pressure on the low-pressure side of the PRV decreases, the second force acting on the sensing element can decrease, causing the flow-limiting element to move in the opening direction and increase the flow area. The increased flow area reduces the pressure drop of the fluid flowing through the flow-limiting element, thereby increasing the downstream pressure.

[0022] The PRV is configured to establish a first force based on the pressure of the fluid (e.g., liquid) in the pressure chamber of the PRV. The PRV is configured such that the pressure chamber is fluidly separable (also referred to as fluidly separable) from the flow path defined by the body of the PRV. The PRV is configured to allow fluid with fluid energy to flow into the pressure chamber to establish a pressurized pressure chamber, thereby causing the pressure chamber to exert a first force on the sensing element. The PRV can be configured to allow fluid to flow into the pressure chamber from a point upstream of the flow-limiting element (e.g., from the PRV inlet, or from a main branch supplying fluid flow to the PRV inlet). As discussed, the sensing element is configured to establish the location of the flow-limiting element based on a balance of the first and second forces. Therefore, the PRV can be configured such that the pressure in the pressure chamber resulting in the first force establishes a pressure setpoint for the PRV. The pressure setpoint of the PRV defines the fluid pressure (e.g., psi) that the PRV attempts to maintain in the fluid downstream of the flow-limiting element, such as the fluid pressure at the PRV outlet, on the low-pressure side of the PRV, or in a branch loop supplied by the PRV.

[0023] For example, when a PRV is used to increase the pressure in a pressure chamber, the first force acting on the sensing element can be increased, causing the flow-limiting element to move in the opening direction and increasing the flow area. The increased flow area reduces the pressure drop of the fluid flowing through the flow-limiting element, thereby increasing the downstream pressure based on the increased pressure in the pressure chamber. When a PRV is used to decrease the pressure in a pressure chamber, the first force acting on the sensing element can be decreased, causing the flow-limiting element to move in the closing direction and decreasing the flow area. The decreased flow area increases the pressure drop of the fluid flowing through the flow-limiting element, thereby decreasing the downstream pressure based on the decreased pressure in the pressure chamber. Therefore, a PRV can change the pressure setpoint by allowing fluid to flow into the pressure chamber to increase the pressure in the pressure chamber and / or allowing fluid in the pressure chamber to drain from the pressure chamber to decrease the pressure in the pressure chamber.

[0024] The pressure chamber of the PRV is configured such that when the PRV allows fluid with fluid energy to flow into the pressure chamber (e.g., to establish and / or increase a pressure setpoint), the pressure chamber delivers a first portion of the fluid energy to a sensing element (to establish a first force) and a second portion of the fluid energy to an accumulator. The accumulator is configured to use the second portion of the fluid energy to store energy. For example, the accumulator may be a spring configured to compress when the pressure in the pressure chamber increases, or a bladder configured to compress gas when the pressure in the pressure chamber increases. The accumulator is configured to apply and / or maintain pressure on the fluid in the pressure chamber. For example, when movement of the sensing element increases the volume of the pressure chamber (e.g., due to a change in the second force exerted by the fluid flowing through the PRV), the accumulator applies pressure on the fluid in the pressure chamber to resist the expanding volume and substantially maintain a relatively constant pressure in the pressure chamber (substantially maintaining the setpoint pressure). When the PRV allows fluid in the pressure chamber to drain from the pressure chamber to reduce the pressure in the pressure chamber, the accumulator applies pressure on the fluid in the pressure chamber to push the fluid out of the pressure chamber.

[0025] The PRV can be configured to allow fluid to flow into the pressure chamber from a location upstream of the flow-limiting element, such as at or near the PRV inlet or within the main circuit supplying fluid to the PRV inlet. Therefore, the PRV can be configured to establish a pressure setpoint using fluid branched from the high-pressure side of the PRV. The PRV can also be configured to allow fluid to flow from the pressure chamber to a location downstream of the flow-limiting element, such as at or near the PRV outlet or within a branch circuit served by the PRV inlet. The accumulator can be configured to apply pressure to the fluid in the pressure chamber to overcome the pressure at the PRV outlet or within the branch circuit, causing the accumulator to push the flow from the pressure chamber.

[0026] In the example, the PRV includes control circuitry configured to change the pressure in the pressure chamber based on a predetermined pressure setpoint, such as a comparison between the pressure setpoint and the pressure downstream of the PRV's flow-limiting element (e.g., at the PRV outlet). The PRV may include, for example, one or more valves and a pressure sensor configured to generate a signal indicating the sensed pressure, such as the pressure downstream of the flow-limiting element (e.g., the pressure at the PRV outlet). The control circuitry may be configured to cause one or more valves to allow fluid to flow into or out of the pressure chamber in response to a comparison between the pressure setpoint and the sensed pressure, thereby changing the pressure in the pressure chamber.

[0027] In some examples, the control circuitry is configured to cause a booster valve to allow fluid to flow into the pressure chamber, thereby increasing the pressure in the pressure chamber. In addition to controlling the booster valve to change the pressure in the pressure chamber, or instead of controlling the booster valve to change the pressure in the pressure chamber, in some examples, the control circuitry is configured to cause a vent valve to allow fluid to flow out of the pressure chamber, thereby decreasing the pressure in the pressure chamber. Instead of the booster valve and / or the vent valve, or in addition to the booster valve and / or the vent valve, in some examples, the control circuitry is configured to cause a three-way valve to establish a first position that allows fluid to pressurize the pressure chamber and a second position that allows fluid to discharge from the pressure chamber. Therefore, the control circuitry can be configured to establish and / or change a pressure setpoint for the PRV, based on which the PRV supplies fluid at the PRV outlet.

[0028] In some examples, the PRV is a normally open valve used to substantially maintain downstream pressure. The PRV can be configured to operate toward or into a closed position as downstream pressure increases (e.g., by at least reducing the volume of the flow region), and toward or into an open position as downstream pressure decreases (e.g., by at least increasing the volume of the flow region). Decreasing downstream pressure can indicate an increase in demand, causing the PRV to operate toward or into an open position to allow more flow to the downstream branch loop. Conversely, increasing downstream pressure can indicate a decrease in demand, causing the PRV to operate toward or into a closed position to provide less flow to the downstream branch loop. By treating downstream pressure as a representation of demand in this way, the PRV can substantially match the fluid supply from the main loop to the fluid demand generated in the branch loop, while substantially maintaining the set pressure downstream of the PRV.

[0029] Here and elsewhere, "downstream" refers to the direction in which fluid flows from a high-pressure area to a low-pressure area. "Upstream" indicates the direction opposite to downstream. For example, when a PRV is configured to provide flow from a higher-pressure main circuit to a lower-pressure branch circuit, the fluid flowing from the higher-pressure main circuit to the lower-pressure branch circuit flows in the downstream direction. The direction opposite to the flow of fluid from the higher-pressure main circuit to the lower-pressure branch circuit is the upstream direction. Furthermore, "opening direction" refers to the movement of the flow-limiting element and / or sensing element in the direction that changes the flow area to reduce the pressure loss experienced by the fluid traveling through the PRV. "Closing direction" refers to the movement of the flow-limiting element and / or sensing element in the direction that changes the flow area to increase the pressure loss experienced by the fluid traveling through the PRV. Additionally, the "high-pressure side" of a PRV refers to the portion of the valve body that defines the flow path upstream of the flow-limiting element. The "low-pressure side" of a PRV refers to the portion of the valve body that defines the flow path downstream of the flow-limiting element.

[0030] Figure 1An exemplary fluid system 100 is shown, including a main circuit 102 configured to supply fluid to branch circuits 104, 106, and 108. Branch circuit 104 is configured to be supplied with fluid from the main circuit 102 via a PRV 110 and is configured to supply fluid to a fluid load 112. The PRV 110 is configured to receive higher-pressure fluid from, for example, the main circuit 102 and supply fluid to the branch circuit 104 at a lower pressure. The PRV 110 includes a valve body configured to define a flow path from the main circuit 102 to the branch circuit 104, and includes a flow-limiting element configured to change the pressure of the fluid as it flows through the flow path defined by the PRV 110. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). Branch loop 104 is configured to provide lower pressure fluid to fluid load 112.

[0031] Fluid load 112 can be a load designed to receive fluid at a secondary pressure lower than the supply pressure of the fluid supplied by main circuit 102. For example, fluid load 112 can be a water or air connection designed to operate under relatively constant or transient demand, wherein equipment and / or other considerations require air or water to be supplied at a pressure lower than that present within main circuit 102. Fluid load 112 can be, for example, a service fluid connection for chemical or other industrial processes, a cooling water supply for specific equipment, a regulator for an irrigation system, a main residential water connection, a water supply to a specific household appliance such as a water heater, dishwasher, or washing machine, or some other load designed to operate at a pressure lower than that supplied by main circuit 102.

[0032] PRV 110 is configured to operate based on a specific pressure setpoint to maintain a substantially constant secondary pressure in branch circuit 104 in the event of changes in the main supply pressure of main circuit 102 and / or changes in fluid demand from fluid load 112. For example, PRV 110 may be configured to maintain the secondary pressure in branch circuit 104 within 1% to about 30% of the setpoint pressure, such as within about 1%, 5%, 10%, 20%, or 30% of the setpoint pressure.

[0033] PRV 110 includes a valve body 114 that defines a flow path between a PRV inlet 116 and a PRV outlet 118. Figure 1In the example, PRV 110 is configured such that PRV inlet 116 receives higher-pressure fluid from main loop 102 and supplies lower-pressure fluid to branch loop 104 via PRV outlet 118. PRV 110 includes a flow-limiting element (not shown) within a defined flow path and between PRV inlet 116 and PRV outlet 118. PRV 110 is configured to define a flow region using the flow-limiting element and a portion of valve body 114. The flow-limiting element is configured to translate to adjust the flow region and regulate (e.g., increase or decrease) the pressure of the fluid supplied to branch loop 104 via PRV outlet 118. The translation of the flow-limiting element alters the fluid flow characteristics from PRV inlet 116 to PRV outlet 118 and is used to increase or decrease the pressure in branch loop 104.

[0034] PRV 110 includes a pressure chamber 120. The pressure chamber 120 is configured to apply pressure and / or force to a sensing element within PRV 110. Figure 1 (Not shown in the diagram). PRV 110 is configured such that movement of the sensing element causes movement of the flow-limiting element. The sensing element may be configured such that a portion of the fluid flow traveling through PRV 110 applies pressure to the sensing element, thereby generally resisting the pressure and / or force applied by pressure chamber 120. The sensing element is configured to translate in response to changes in pressure and / or force applied by pressure chamber 120, resistance to pressure changes in the fluid flow through PRV 110, or both. For example, valve body 114 may define a high-pressure side of PRV 110 between PRV inlet 116 and the flow-limiting element, and a low-pressure side of PRV 110 between the flow-limiting element and PRV outlet 118. PRV 110 may be configured such that fluid within the low-pressure side of PRV 110 acts on the sensing element to resist the pressure and / or force applied by pressure chamber 120, thereby translating the flow-limiting element in response to changes in fluid pressure within the low-pressure side.

[0035] Pressure chamber 120 is configured to apply pressure and / or force to a sensing element using pressurized fluid held within it. Pressure chamber 120 is fluidly isolated from the flow path between PRV inlet 116 and PRV outlet 118, such that pressure fluctuations in branch circuit 104 and / or main circuit 102 have a limited or no effect on the pressure within pressure chamber 120. Furthermore, pressure chamber 120 is configured such that the pressure of the fluid within it is adjustable, for example, via one or more valves. For example, PRV 110 may include a booster valve 122 configured to allow fluid to flow into pressure chamber 120 from PRV inlet 116, the high-pressure side of PRV 110, and / or main circuit 102, thereby increasing the pressure within pressure chamber 120. PRV 110 may include a vent valve 124 configured to allow flow from pressure chamber 120 to PRV outlet 118, the low-pressure side of PRV 110 and / or branch circuit 104 in order to reduce the pressure in pressure chamber 120.

[0036] The pressure of the fluid within the regulating pressure chamber 120 is used to regulate the pressure and / or force applied to the sensing element within the PRV 110, and thus can be used to adjust the pressure setpoint of the PRV 110. The booster valve 122 and the vent valve 124 can be configured to fluidly isolate the pressure chamber 120 from the flow path between the PRV inlet 116 and the PRV outlet 118 when not used to increase or decrease the pressure of the pressure chamber 120, respectively.

[0037] In the example, in addition to or in place of pressure booster valve 122 and / or vent valve 124, PRV 110 includes a three-way valve having a first position and a second position. The first position can be configured to allow flow substantially from PRV inlet 116, the high-pressure side of PRV 110, and / or main circuit 102 to pressure chamber 120. In the first position, the three-way valve can prevent fluid from flowing substantially from pressure chamber 120 to PRV outlet 118, the low-pressure side of PRV 110, and / or branch circuit 104. In the second position, the three-way valve is configured to allow flow substantially from pressure chamber 120 to PRV outlet 118, the low-pressure side of PRV 110, and / or branch circuit 104. Additionally, in the second position, the three-way valve can also prevent fluid from flowing from PRV inlet 116, the high-pressure side of PRV 110, and / or main circuit 102 to pressure chamber 120.

[0038] As will be discussed, pressure chamber 120 is configured such that when pressure boosting valve 122 allows fluid to flow into pressure chamber 120, pressure chamber 120 delivers a first portion of the fluid energy of the fluid flow to a sensing element and a second portion of the fluid energy of the fluid flow to an accumulator. The accumulator is configured to use the second portion of the fluid energy to generate stored energy. For example, the accumulator may be a spring configured to compress when the pressure in pressure chamber 120 increases, or a bladder configured to compress gas when the pressure in pressure chamber 120 increases. The accumulator is configured to apply and / or maintain pressure on the fluid in pressure chamber 120 when, for example, movement of the sensing element increases the volume of pressure chamber 120 and / or vent valve 124 opens to allow flow from pressure chamber 120 to PRV outlet 118, the low-pressure side of PRV 110, and / or branch circuit 104.

[0039] When the fluid within pressure chamber 120 is a substantially incompressible liquid (e.g., water), using an accumulator to substantially maintain the pressure on the fluid within pressure chamber 120 can be advantageous. For example, when the fluid within pressure chamber 120 is water and pressure chamber 120 relies on the pressure of the water to apply pressure and / or force to the sensing element, the potential movement of the sensing element may be limited by the incompressibility of water (e.g., the limited ability of water to expand and / or compress at constant pressure). As will be discussed, using an accumulator can achieve a greater range of travel for the sensing element relative to a given pressure setpoint of PRV 110, thereby increasing the sensitivity of PRV 110. Using an accumulator to substantially maintain the pressure within pressure chamber 120 allows PRV 110 to discharge fluid via vent valve 124.

[0040] PRV110 may include control circuitry configured to cause the booster valve 122 and / or vent valve 124 to allow flow into or out of pressure chamber 120. In some examples, the control circuitry is configured to receive a signal indicating a sensed pressure (such as the pressure at PRV outlet 118 and / or branch loop 104) and adjust the pressure in pressure chamber 120 based on that signal using the booster valve 122 and / or vent valve 124. The control circuitry may be configured to receive a pressure-indicating signal from one or more pressure sensors. The control circuitry may be configured to compare the pressure-indicating signal with a predetermined pressure setpoint and adjust the pressure in pressure chamber 120 based on that comparison. In an example, the control circuitry may be configured to determine a pressure setpoint based on an input (e.g., user input) and adjust the pressure in pressure chamber 120 based on that input. The control circuit can be configured to pressurize and / or vent the pressure chamber 120 using the booster valve 122 and / or the vent valve 124 until the pressure indicated by the signal from the pressure sensor (e.g., the pressure at the PRV outlet 118 and / or branch loop 104) substantially matches (within permissible tolerances) the setpoint pressure. For example, the control circuit can be configured to pressurize and / or vent the pressure chamber 120 until the pressure indicated by the signal from the pressure sensor is within about 1% to about 30% of the setpoint pressure, such as within about 1%, 5%, 10%, 20%, or 30% of the setpoint pressure.

[0041] The control circuitry may be located adjacent to or within the housing of the PRV 110, or elsewhere within the system 100. Furthermore, although described herein and... Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the control circuitry for an individual PRV of system 100; however, in some examples, a controller (including control circuitry) may cause individual pressurization and / or venting valves to enable flow in the individual PRVs of a plurality of PRVs. That is, system 100 may include one or more controllers configured to enable flow in the PRVs described herein.

[0042] In some examples, PRV 110 is configured to sense outlet pressure. For example, PRV 110 may include an outlet pressure sensor 126 configured to provide an indication of pressure downstream of the flow-limiting element, such as pressure substantially at PRV outlet 118, on the low-pressure side of PRV 110, and / or within branch loop 104. Outlet pressure sensor 126 may be located adjacent to or within the housing of PRV 110, or at another location within system 100. Outlet pressure sensor 126, and other pressure sensors described herein, may include any suitable pressure sensing circuitry and other configurations configured to generate a signal indicating pressure at the sensing location. Outlet pressure sensor 126 may be configured to generate an outlet pressure signal indicating pressure at PRV outlet 118 and provide that outlet pressure signal to control circuitry of PRV 110.

[0043] Therefore, PRV 110 can receive high-pressure fluid from main circuit 102, reduce the pressure by positioning a flow-limiting element relative to the flow path within PRV 110, and supply the lower-pressure fluid to branch circuit 104. PRV 110 is used to position the flow-limiting element based on the balance between the pressure of the flow path acting on the sensing element and the pressure within pressure chamber 120. When the pressure in main circuit 102 and / or branch circuit 104 changes, PRV 110 repositions the flow-limiting element to substantially maintain the pressure in branch circuit 104. Control circuitry can use one or more valves (such as booster valve 122, vent valve 124, and / or three-way valve) to regulate the pressure of the fluid in pressure chamber 120 (e.g., increase or decrease) to regulate the setpoint pressure. PRV 110 includes: pressure chamber 120, configured to generate stored energy from a portion of the fluid energy delivered to pressure chamber 120. The accumulator is used to maintain the pressure on the fluid in the pressure chamber 120 when, for example, the vent valve 124 allows discharge from the pressure chamber 120, or movement of a sensing element within the PRV 110 changes the volume of the pressure chamber 120. In some examples, the PRV 110 includes control circuitry configured to increase or decrease the pressure in the pressure chamber 120 by a booster valve 122, a vent valve 124, and / or a three-way valve to adjust the pressure setpoint of the PRV 110.

[0044] System 100 may include additional branch loops, such as branch loop 106. Branch loop 106 is configured to receive fluid from main loop 102 via PRV 130 and supply fluid to fluid load 128. Fluid load 128 is a load of fluid designed to receive fluid at a specific pressure lower than the supply pressure of the fluid supplied by main loop 102. The specific pressure based on fluid load 128 may be greater than, less than, or equal to a predetermined pressure based on fluid load 112. Accordingly, the specific pressure setpoint of PRV 130 may be greater than, less than, or equal to the specific pressure setpoint of PRV 110. PRV 130 is an example of PRV 110 and includes pressure chamber 132, valve body 134, PRV inlet 136, PRV outlet 138, and outlet pressure sensor 140, which may be configured individually and relative to each other in the same manner as described for components of the same name for PRV 110.

[0045] PRV 130 also includes a three-way valve 142 having at least a first position and a second position. The three-way valve 142 is configured such that the first position allows flow substantially from PRV inlet 136, the high-pressure side of PRV 130, and / or the main circuit 102 to the pressure chamber 132. The three-way valve 142 is configured such that the second position allows flow substantially from the pressure chamber 132 to PRV outlet 138, the low-pressure side of PRV 130, and / or the branch circuit 106. The three-way valve 142 may be configured to include a third position in which the three-way valve 142 fluidly isolates the pressure chamber 132 from a flow path from a position upstream of the flow-limiting element of PRV 130 (e.g., the main circuit 102, PRV inlet 136, and / or the high-pressure side of PRV 130) to a position downstream of the flow-limiting element of PRV 130 (e.g., the branch circuit 106, PRV outlet 138, and / or the low-pressure side of PRV 130). PRV 130 may include control circuitry configured, for example, to control the position of three-way valve 142 such that three-way valve 142 allows inflow or outflow into pressure chamber 132, and / or causes three-way valve 142 to fluidly isolate pressure chamber 132 from a flow path from a position upstream of the flow-limiting element of PRV 130 to a position downstream of the flow-limiting element of PRV 130.

[0046] In some examples, system 100 may also include a branch loop 108. Branch loop 108 receives fluid from main loop 102 via PRV 144. PRV 144 may be an example of PRV 110 or PRV 130, and can substantially maintain the established pressure within branch loop 108 as the main supply pressure of main loop 102 and / or downstream fluid demand changes. PRV 144 may function as a main pressure regulator and supply fluid at the established pressure to secondary pressure regulators 146, 148, and 150, each of which may be an example of PRV 110 and / or PRV 130. Secondary pressure regulator 146 may be configured to further reduce the fluid pressure within branch loop 108 and supply fluid to a third branch 152 and fluid load 154. Secondary pressure regulator 148 can be configured to further reduce the fluid pressure within branch loop 108 and supply fluid to third branch 156 and fluid load 158. Secondary pressure regulator 150 can be configured to further reduce the fluid pressure within branch loop 108 and supply fluid to third branch 160 and fluid load 162. Fluid loads 154, 158, and 162 may require fluid to be supplied at pressures less than those of fluid loads 112 and / or 128, and secondary pressure regulators 146, 148, and 150 can be provided sequentially to achieve additional pressure reduction in a more accurate manner based on, for example, drooping or other inaccuracies that may occur during operation of PRV 144. For example, PRV 144 can be used to reduce the primary supply pressure of approximately 500 psi (4.35 MPa) in the primary circuit 102 to a secondary pressure of approximately 100 psi (689 kPa) in the branch circuit 108, and secondary pressure regulators 146, 148, and 150 can be used to reduce the secondary pressure of approximately 100 psi (689 kPa) in the branch circuit 108 to a pressure of less than approximately 25 psi (172 kPa).

[0047] Despite Figure 1PRVs 110, 130, 144, 146, 148, and 150 are shown, but system 100 may include any suitable number of pressure regulating valves and any number of main, branch, or otherwise designated fluid branches. Pressure regulating valves can be configured to receive higher-pressure fluid from a first branch and supply fluid to a second branch while substantially maintaining pressure in the second branch. PRVs can supply any number of fluid loads and any number of fluid branches. For example, PRV 110 can supply one or more fluid loads other than fluid load 112 and one or more fluid branches other than branch loop 104. Main, branch, or otherwise designated fluid branch loops can receive fluid from any number of upstream pressure regulating valves. Any number of pressure regulating valves can operate in series or in parallel with any number of other pressure regulating valves.

[0048] Figure 2 An exemplary PRV 200 is shown. The PRV 200 includes a valve body 201 defining a PRV inlet 202 and a PRV outlet 204. Figure 2 The valve body 201 is shown in cross-section, with the cut plane parallel to the plane of the paper. The valve body 201 is configured to define a flow path for fluid between the PRV inlet 202 and the PRV outlet 204. For example, the valve body 201 may define a flow path from the PRV inlet 202, through a flow region 206 between the valve disc 208 and the valve seat 210, and to the PRV outlet 204. The flow path can travel from the high-pressure side 216 of the PRV 200 upstream of the flow-limiting element 212 through the PRV 200 to the low-pressure side 218 of the PRV 200 downstream of the flow-limiting element 212. In some examples, the PRV 200 is configured to receive higher-pressure fluid at the PRV inlet 202 and regulate the fluid flow to provide fluid at a lower pressure at the PRV outlet 204. For example, the PRV 200 may be configured to receive higher-pressure fluid from the main circuit 102 and provide lower-pressure fluid to branch circuits 104, 106, or 108. Figure 1 Therefore, PRV 200 is a reference. Figure 1 Examples of any PRV described (e.g., PRV 110, PRV 130, PRV 144, PRV 146, PRV 148 and / or PRV 150).

[0049] exist Figure 2In the example shown, PRV 200 also includes: a flow-limiting element 212 comprising a valve stem 214 and a valve disc 208; a sensing element 220 comprising a first side 222, a first region 223, a second side 224, and a second region 225; a pressure chamber 226; a booster valve 228; a vent valve 230; an accumulator 232; a conduit 234; an inlet conduit 236; an outlet conduit 238; a valve cap 240; a control circuit 242; a communication link 244; a communication link 246; an outlet pressure sensor 248; and a communication link 250. In some examples, the valve cap 240 is configured as a separable portion of the valve body 201. For example, the valve cap 240 and / or the valve body 201 may include threads 252 configured to allow the valve cap 240 to be separated from the remainder of the valve body 201 without adversely affecting the structure of the valve body 201. Other configurations of the valve cap 240 may be used in other examples.

[0050] The flow path defined by the valve body 201 between the PRV inlet 202 and the PRV outlet 204 includes a flow region 206 within the PRV 200, wherein the geometry of the flow region 206 depends in part on the flow-limiting element 212 and the volume (and / or area) of the flow region 206 depends on the location of the flow-limiting element 212 within the PRV 200. The flow-limiting element 212 may include, for example, a valve stem 214 mechanically coupled to the valve disc 208. The flow region 206 is defined by any suitable structure within the PRV 200. In some examples, such as Figure 2 As shown, the flow region 206 is at least partially defined by the valve disc 208 and the valve seat 210. The PRV 200 is configured to allow the flow-limiting element 212 to translate and change the flow region 206. This change in the flow region 206 alters the pressure drop experienced by the fluid flow between the PRV inlet 202 and the PRV outlet 204, thereby allowing regulation of the fluid flow between the PRV inlet 202 and the PRV outlet 204.

[0051] PRV 200 is configured such that the flow path between PRV inlet 202 and PRV outlet 204 encounters a flow-limiting element 212 between PRV inlet 202 and PRV outlet 204. The high-pressure side 216 includes portions of valve body 201 configured to be in fluid communication with fluid flowing from PRV inlet 202 to PRV outlet 204 and upstream of the flow-limiting element 212. The low-pressure side 218 includes portions of valve body 201 configured to be in fluid communication with fluid flowing from PRV inlet 202 to PRV outlet 204 and downstream of the flow-limiting element 212. PRV 200 can be configured to use the high-pressure side 216 from the main circuit 102 ( Figure 1 ) receives higher pressure fluid and uses the low-pressure side 218 ( Figure 1 The lower pressure fluid is supplied to branch circuit 104, branch circuit 106 or branch circuit 108.

[0052] PRV 200 also includes a sensing element 220. Sensing element 220 is configured to modify the position of flow-limiting element 212 relative to valve body 201. For example, sensing element 220 may be mechanically coupled to flow-limiting element 212. In an example, sensing element 220 is mechanically coupled to valve stem 214 of flow-limiting element 212. Sensing element 220 may include a first side 222 defining a first region 223 and a second side 224 defining a second region 225. PRV 200 is configured such that the first side 222 is fluidly isolated from portions of valve body 201 configured to be in fluid communication with fluid flowing from PRV inlet 202 to PRV outlet 204. The first side 222 is configured to receive a force (e.g., F1) at least partially caused by pressurized fluid within pressure chamber 226. In some examples, sensing element 220 is configured such that the first side 222 is in fluid communication with pressure chamber 226. In other examples, the first side 222 is configured to receive a force (e.g., F1) transmitted by a mechanical component such as a spring.

[0053] The second side 224 of the sensing element 220 is configured such that the fluid within the low-pressure side 218 of the PRV 200 exerts a force (e.g., F2) on the second side 224. The sensing element 220 is configured such that the force F2 on the second side 224 at least partially counteracts the force F1 on the first side 222. In the example, the sensing element 220 is configured such that the second region 225 is in fluid communication with the flow path between the PRV inlet 202 and the PRV outlet 204. The second region 225 may be in fluid communication with a portion of the low-pressure side 218 of the PRV 200. The sensing element 220 may be configured such that the second side 224 is fluidly isolated from the pressure chamber 226.

[0054] In the example, sensing element 220 is configured such that when the pressure in pressure chamber 226 is greater than the pressure in low-pressure side 218, the force on first side 222 (e.g., F1) is substantially equal to the force on second side 224 (e.g., F2). For example, sensing element 220 may be configured such that a first region 223 in fluid communication with pressure chamber 226 is smaller than a second region 225 in fluid communication with low-pressure side 218. The higher pressure in pressure chamber 226 when force F1 is substantially equal to force F2 allows PRV 200 to discharge fluid from pressure chamber 226 to a point downstream of PRV outlet 204, low-pressure side 218, or flow restrictor 212, as will be discussed.

[0055] Sensing element 220 may define a periphery 221 surrounding at least a portion of sensing element 220. Sensing element 220 may be mechanically coupled and / or fixedly attached to body 201 and / or valve cap 240 around all or a portion of periphery 221. For example, sensing element 220 may be a specific diaphragm defining periphery 221 and fixedly attached around the entire periphery 221. Sensing element may be a piston having periphery 221 that is slidably translational on a portion of body 201 and / or valve cap 240.

[0056] Sensing element 220 is configured to move (e.g., by deflection of the diaphragm or translation of the piston) and modify the position of flow-limiting element 212 based on the difference between a force F1 acting on the first side 222 and a second force F2 acting on the second side 224. Movement of sensing element 220 results in movement of flow-limiting element 212 and adjustment of flow region 206. Adjustment of flow region 206 regulates the pressure drop of the fluid flow through flow region 206. "Adjustment" of flow region 206 can refer to adjustment of the size of flow region 206, such as adjustment of the volume of flow region 206. By adjusting the positioning of flow-limiting element 212 to regulate flow region 206 in this way, PRV 200 can substantially maintain the fluid pressure within the branch loop supplied by PRV outlet 204.

[0057] For example, when PRV 200 is supplying branch loops and fluid loads (e.g., branch loop 104 and fluid load 112) Figure 1When fluid demand from a fluid load (e.g., fluid load 112) is increased, the fluid pressure in the branch loop (e.g., branch loop 104) can be reduced. When fluid is supplied to the branch loop from the PRV outlet 204, the reduction in fluid pressure in the branch loop reduces the fluid pressure within the low-pressure side 218 of the PRV 200. This reduction in fluid pressure within the low-pressure side 218 reduces the fluid pressure acting on the second region 225, thereby reducing the second force F2 and causing the sensing element 220 to reposition the flow-limiting element 212 in a manner that reduces the fluid pressure drop as fluid flows through the flow region 206 (e.g., the sensing element 220 repositions the flow-limiting element 212 in an opening direction (such as D2) to increase the flow region 206). The reduced pressure loss through the flow region 206 results in an increase in fluid pressure within the low-pressure side 218 of the PRV 200, thereby increasing the pressure in the branch loop. Thus, when fluid demand from a fluid load (e.g., fluid load 112) increases, the PRV 200 can be used to substantially maintain the setpoint pressure within a branch loop (e.g., branch loop 104). In some examples, "substantially maintaining" pressure as described herein may include, for example, maintaining the pressure within 1% to 10% of a specific pressure value, such as within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, or 10% of the specific pressure value.

[0058] When PRV 200 is supplying branch loops and fluid loads (e.g., branch loop 104 and fluid load 112) Figure 1 When the fluid demand from the fluid load (e.g., fluid load 112) decreases, the fluid pressure in the branch loop (e.g., branch loop 104) can be increased. As the PRV outlet 204 is supplying fluid to the branch loop, the increased fluid pressure in the branch loop increases the fluid pressure within the low-pressure side 218 of the PRV 200, thereby increasing the second force F2 and causing the sensing element 220 to reposition the flow-limiting element 212 in a manner that increases the fluid pressure drop as fluid flows through the flow region 206 (e.g., the sensing element 220 repositions the flow-limiting element 212 in a closing direction (such as D1) to reduce the flow region 206). The increased pressure loss through the flow region 206 results in a decrease in the fluid pressure within the low-pressure side 218 of the PRV 200, thereby reducing the pressure in the branch loop. Thus, when the fluid demand from the fluid load (e.g., fluid load 112) decreases, the PRV 200 can be used to substantially maintain the setpoint pressure within the branch loop (e.g., branch loop 104).

[0059] In this way, PRV 200 can regulate the flow from PRV inlet 202 to PRV outlet 204 based on the force difference across sensing element 220 to substantially maintain the fluid pressure downstream of flow region 206. For example, PRV 200 can maintain the downstream fluid pressure within at least 1% to about 30% of the setpoint pressure, such as within about 1%, 5%, 10%, 20%, or 30% of the setpoint pressure.

[0060] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, pressure chamber 226 is at least partially defined or surrounded by valve body 201 and / or valve cap 240 of PRV 200, which can be formed of any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, metals, polymers, ceramics, or combinations thereof. In some examples, pressure chamber 226 is at least partially defined or surrounded by sensing element 220. Pressure chamber 226 may comprise a volume surrounded by substantially airtight (e.g., airtight or airtight to the extent permitted by manufacturing tolerances) boundaries. This volume may have any suitable shape. PRV 200 is configured such that movement of sensing element 220 (e.g., due to changes in force F1 and / or force F2) can cause pressure chamber 226 to expand or contract, such that the volume of pressure chamber 226 increases or decreases, respectively.

[0061] In the example, PRV200 is configured such that movement of sensing element 220 (e.g., in directions D1 and / or D2) causes an increase or decrease in the volume of pressure chamber 226. For example, movement of sensing element 220 (e.g., in direction D1) can cause pressure chamber 226 to contract, thereby reducing the volume of pressure chamber 226. Movement of sensing element 220 (e.g., in direction D2) can cause pressure chamber 226 to expand, thereby increasing the volume of pressure chamber 226.

[0062] PRV 200 is configured to increase or decrease the pressure of the fluid within pressure chamber 226 to increase or decrease the pressure setpoint (e.g., by increasing or decreasing force F1). In this example, PRV 200 includes one or more valves, such as... Figure 2 In the example, the booster valve 228 and vent valve 230 are configured to allow fluid to flow into the pressure chamber 226 to increase fluid pressure, or to allow fluid to discharge from the pressure chamber 226 to decrease fluid pressure. The PRV 200 can be configured to fluidly isolate the pressure chamber 226 from the flow path defined by the valve body 201 between the PRV inlet 202 and the PRV outlet 204, such that the pressure of the fluid in the pressure chamber 226 remains independent of any pressure fluctuations upstream or downstream of the flow-limiting element 212 (e.g., main circuit 102 or branch circuits 104, 106, 108). Figure 1 Pressure fluctuations in )

[0063] The accumulator 232 can be in fluid communication with the pressure chamber 226, such that when the pressure boosting valve 228 allows water to flow into the pressure chamber 226 to increase the pressure in the pressure chamber 226, the increased pressure acts on the accumulator 232, thereby causing the accumulator 232 to generate the stored energy. For example, as... Figure 2 As depicted in the examples, the accumulator 232 may be a container (e.g., a bladder) configured to establish a gas-fluid interface 254 between gas 255 (e.g., air) and liquid 256 (e.g., water). The PRV 200 may be configured such that when the pressure in pressure chamber 226 increases (e.g., by using a pressure booster valve 228 to allow flow from the high-pressure side 216 to pressure chamber 226), the fluid communication between the accumulator 232 and pressure chamber 226 allows a certain amount of pressurized fluid to flow into the accumulator 232 and compress the gas 255, thereby increasing the pressure of the gas 255 and storing a portion of the fluid energy in the form of gas compression. In other examples, the accumulator 232 may be configured to store energy using other physical phenomena such as spring compression, substantially elastic deformation of a material, and / or others.

[0064] Accumulator 232 is configured to apply pressure to the fluid within pressure chamber 226 using stored energy. For example, accumulator 232 can be configured to apply pressure when pressure chamber 226 is fluidly isolated from high-pressure side 216 and low-pressure side 218. Applying pressure with accumulator 232 can achieve a greater range of volume expansion and / or contraction of pressure chamber 226 than might be available without accumulator 232 (e.g., due to movement of sensing element 220). For example, without accumulator 232 and when the fluid used to pressurize pressure chamber 226 is a substantially incompressible liquid such as water, the available volume expansion or contraction of pressure chamber 226 would be particularly limited due to the incompressibility of the liquid. PRV 200 using accumulator 232 is configured to achieve a greater range of volume expansion and / or contraction of pressure chamber 226 when, for example, the fluid pressurizing pressure chamber 226 is substantially incompressible (e.g., water). The greater expansion and / or contraction range of the pressure chamber 226, enabled by the accumulator 232, allows for a greater range of motion of the sensing element 220, thereby allowing the PRV 200 to operate with greater sensitivity.

[0065] The accumulator 232 is also configured to allow the PRV 200 to discharge fluid from the pressure chamber 226 in order to reduce the pressure setpoint of the PRV 200. For example, when the control circuit 242 controls the vent valve 230 to open so that fluid can flow out of the pressure chamber 226, the accumulator 232 is configured to maintain pressure to push fluid out of the pressure chamber 226. In this example, the accumulator 232 is configured to consume a portion of its stored energy as it pushes fluid out of the pressure chamber 226. Therefore, the PRV 200 can be configured to reduce the pressure in the pressure chamber 226 from a first pressure when the accumulator 232 has a first stored energy to a second pressure when the accumulator has a second stored energy, wherein the second pressure is less than the first pressure and the second stored energy is less than the first stored energy. The PRV 200 can be configured to utilize the second stored energy of the accumulator 232 to substantially maintain the second pressure in the pressure chamber 226 when the pressure chamber 226 is fluidly isolated from the high-pressure side 216 and the low-pressure side 218.

[0066] Therefore, pressure chamber 226 is configured to receive a fluid having fluid energy and to deliver a first portion of the fluid energy to sensing element 220 and a second portion of the fluid energy to accumulator 232. For example, pressure chamber 226 can deliver the first portion of the fluid energy to sensing element 220 by applying a force F1 to sensing element 220 using the fluid pressure in pressure chamber 226. Pressure chamber 226 can deliver the second portion of the fluid energy to accumulator 232 by, for example, compressing gas 255 or an elastic member (e.g., a spring) using the pressure of the fluid in pressure chamber 226. Pressure chamber 226 may include any part of PRV 200. In an example, pressure chamber 226 includes a portion of valve cap 240. In other examples, pressure chamber 226 is a substantially inseparable part of valve body 201.

[0067] As discussed, the PRV 200 is configured to increase or decrease the pressure of the fluid within the pressure chamber 226, thereby increasing or decreasing the pressure setpoint. Figure 2In the example shown, control circuitry 242 is configured to increase the pressure in pressure chamber 226 by partially or fully opening pressure boosting valve 228. Pressure boosting valve 228 is configured to allow fluid to flow into pressure chamber 226 from a point upstream of flow restrictor 212 (e.g., substantially from PRV inlet 202, high-pressure side 216, or the main branch supplying PRV 200). In the example, PRV 200 includes inlet conduit 236 in fluid communication with high-pressure side 216, and when pressure boosting valve 228 is open, pressure boosting valve 228 is configured to establish fluid communication between high-pressure side 216 of PRV 200 and pressure chamber 226 via inlet conduit 236. In the example, pressure boosting valve 228 is configured to fluidly isolate pressure chamber 226 from at least high-pressure side 216 of PRV 200. For example, control circuit 242 can partially or fully open booster valve 228 to allow fluid to flow into pressure chamber 226 (e.g., from high-pressure side 216), thereby increasing the fluid pressure in pressure chamber 226. Once the fluid pressure has increased to a certain level, booster valve 228 can close to fluidly isolate pressure chamber 226 from high-pressure side 216.

[0068] Control circuitry 242 can be configured to use vent valve 230 to reduce the pressure in pressure chamber 226. Vent valve 230 is configured to allow fluid to be discharged from pressure chamber 226 to a point downstream of flow restrictor 212 (e.g., substantially to PRV outlet 204, low-pressure side 218, or a branch loop supplied by PRV 200). In the example, PRV 200 includes outlet conduit 238 in fluid communication with low-pressure side 218, and vent valve 230 is configured to establish fluid communication between low-pressure side 218 of PRV 200 and pressure chamber 226 via outlet conduit 238. In the example, vent valve 230 is configured to fluidly isolate pressure chamber 226 from at least low-pressure side 218 of PRV 200. For example, control circuit 242 may partially or fully open vent valve 230 to allow fluid to be discharged from pressure chamber 226 (e.g., to low-pressure side 218), thereby reducing the fluid pressure in pressure chamber 226, and once the fluid pressure is reduced to a certain level, close vent valve 230 to fluidly isolate pressure chamber 226 from low-pressure side 218.

[0069] In some examples, control circuitry 242 is configured to change the pressure of the fluid in pressure chamber 226 based on a comparison of the pressure downstream of flow restrictor 212 with a pressure setpoint, which may be predetermined and stored in a memory accessible by control circuitry 242. In some examples, control circuitry 242 of PRV 200, or control circuitry otherwise communicating with PRV 200, is configured to receive a signal indicating the pressure downstream of flow restrictor 212 (e.g., in low-pressure side 218) and determine the downstream pressure based on the received signal. Control circuitry 242 is configured to compare the downstream pressure with the pressure setpoint and increase or decrease the pressure in pressure chamber 226 based on the comparison. Control circuitry 242 may be configured to increase pressure by causing booster valve 228 to allow fluid with fluid energy to flow into pressure chamber 226. In an example, control circuitry 242 causes booster valve 228 to allow flow from high-pressure side 216 to pressure chamber 226. Control circuit 242 can be configured to reduce pressure by causing vent valve 230 to allow fluid to be discharged from pressure chamber 226. In an example, control circuit 242 causes vent valve 230 to allow fluid to be discharged from pressure chamber 226 to the low-pressure side 218. In an example, control circuit 242 is configured to increase and / or decrease the pressure in pressure chamber 226 until the downstream pressure is within a specified tolerance of the setpoint pressure. For example, control circuit 242 can increase and / or decrease the pressure in pressure chamber 226 until the downstream fluid pressure is within at least 1% to about 30% of the setpoint pressure, such as about 1%, 5%, 10%, 20%, or 30% of the setpoint pressure.

[0070] In some examples, control circuitry 242 is configured to communicate with and direct (e.g., directly or indirectly control) pressure booster valve 228 to allow fluid to flow into pressure chamber 226. Control circuitry 242 can communicate with pressure booster valve 228 using, for example, communication link 244. Control circuitry 242 can communicate with pressure booster valve 228 to increase the pressure of the fluid in pressure chamber 226, thereby increasing the pressure setpoint of PRV 200. In some examples, control circuitry 242 is configured to communicate with vent valve 230 and direct (e.g., directly or indirectly control) vent valve 230 to allow fluid to drain from pressure chamber 226. Control circuitry 242 can communicate with vent valve 230 using, for example, communication link 246. Control circuitry 242 can communicate with vent valve 230 to decrease the pressure of the fluid in pressure chamber 226, thereby decreasing the pressure setpoint of PRV 200.

[0071] Control circuit 242 can use any suitable technique to determine the pressure. In some examples, control circuit 242 is configured to receive a pressure signal generated by a pressure sensor (such as pressure sensor 248) configured to sense pressure, indicating the pressure downstream of current limiting element 212 (e.g., in low-pressure side 218). Control circuit 242 can be configured to receive the pressure signal from outlet pressure sensor 248 via communication link 250.

[0072] In some examples, control circuitry 242 may be provided with one or more pressure setpoints, such as modified setpoints, via communication from another device or via a user interface of control circuitry 242. The user interface may have any suitable configuration. For example, the user interface may include buttons or a keyboard, a speaker configured to receive voice commands from a user, or a display such as a liquid crystal (LCD), light-emitting diode (LED), or organic light-emitting diode (OLED). In some examples, the display may be a touchscreen. The user interface is configured to receive user input, for example, by pressing one or more buttons on a keyboard or via a touchscreen, which may be user input selecting a desired pressure setpoint. In some examples, the user interface is also configured to display information such as one or more pressure setpoints (e.g., the current setpoint used by control circuitry 242 to control PRV 200, or one or more predetermined pressure setpoints from which a user can select to input a desired pressure setpoint). Other devices may be devices configured to communicate with control circuitry 242 via any suitable wireless or wired communication technology. The device can be, for example, a tablet computer, a mobile phone, etc., which the user can interact with to remotely modify one or more pressure setpoints used by the control circuit 242 to control the PRV 200.

[0073] In some examples, control circuit 242 can be configured to establish a desired setpoint based on specific criteria. For example, control circuit 242 can be configured to establish a modified setpoint based on the time of day, scheduling operations that request a specific fluid demand from PRV 200 or anticipate requesting a specific fluid demand from PRV 200, and / or actuation of a specific fluid load supplied by PRV 200.

[0074] In some examples, control circuitry 242 is configured to recognize a condition where PRV 200 should be closed, and in response, open vent valve 230 to reduce the pressure in pressure chamber 226. For example, control circuitry 242 may receive a leak signal from a leak detection system monitoring a fluid branch downstream of PRV 200. For example, PRV 200 could be PRV 110 (…). Figure 1 Leak detection system 164 ( Figure 1) can be configured to detect from branch loop 104 (e.g., in fluid load 112 ( Figure 1 The control circuit of PRV 110 can be configured to receive a leak signal from the leak detection system 164 in response to a fluid leak at or near the location of the leak. Control circuit 242 can be configured such that, in response to receiving the leak signal, it opens vent valve 230 and reduces the pressure in pressure chamber 226 to a level where sensing element 220 causes flow-limiting element 212 to shift and close PRV 200, thereby eliminating fluid flow through the PRV (to the extent possible with the fluid seal of PRV 200). Thus, PRV 200 can be configured to automatically close in response to certain detected conditions such as fluid leaks.

[0075] Valves 228 and 230 can have any suitable configuration. In some examples, booster valve 228 and / or vent valve 230 are proportional control valves. In other examples, booster valve 228 and / or vent valve 230 are direct control valves. Booster valve 228 and / or vent valve 230 can be ball valves, gate valves, spool valves, poppet valves, or any other type of valve mechanism that can be configured to control the flow path from inlet to outlet. In one example, booster valve 228 and / or vent valve 230 is a three-way valve (e.g., three-way valve 291). Figure 4 Part of ))

[0076] Figure 3 An exemplary PRV 260 is shown, including an accumulator 262 and a pressure chamber 264. The accumulator 262 includes a spring 263. PRV 260 also includes a valve body 201, a PRV inlet 202, a PRV outlet 204, a valve seat 210, a flow-limiting element 212 including a valve stem 214 and a valve disc 208, a high-pressure side 216, a low-pressure side 218, a booster valve 228, a vent valve 230, an inlet conduit 236, an outlet conduit 238, a valve cap 240, a control circuit 242, a communication link 244, a communication link 246, an outlet pressure sensor 248, a communication link 250, and a thread 252, which can be configured similarly to and operate in the same manner relative to other PRV 260 components as the equally named components of PRV 110, PRV 130, PRV 144, PRV 146, PRV 148, PRV 150, and / or PRV 200. PRV 260 is an example of any one of PRV 110, PRV 130, PRV 144, PRV 146, PRV 148, PRV 150 and / or PRV 200. PRV 260 is... Figure 1 Examples of PRV values ​​110, 130, 144, 146, 148, and 150.

[0077] Sensing element 268 includes a first side 270 and a second side 272. Sensing element 268 is configured to move (e.g., by deflection of a diaphragm or translation of a piston) and modify the position of flow-limiting element 212 based on the difference between a force (e.g., F1) acting on the first side 270 and a force (e.g., F2) acting on the second side 272. Movement of sensing element 268 results in movement of flow-limiting element 212 and adjustment of flow region 206. Sensing element 268 may be configured to receive a force F1 from spring 263. For example, spring 263 may be compressed due to the force F1 received from spring 263. Figure 3 A force F1 is applied in the direction shown. The second side 272 of the sensing element 268 is configured such that the fluid within the low-pressure side 218 of the PRV 200 applies a force F2 to the second side 272. The sensing element 268 is configured such that the force F2 on the second side 272 at least partially counteracts the force F1 on the first side 270. In the example, the sensing element 268 is configured such that the second region 282 is in fluid communication with a flow path (such as a portion of the low-pressure side 218) between the PRV inlet 202 and the PRV outlet 204. The sensing element 268, the first side 270, and the second side 272 can be the sensing element 220, the first side 222, and the second side 224 of the PRV 200, respectively. Figure 2 Example of PRV 260. Therefore, the force difference between force F1 and force F2 causes the movement of sensing element 268 and the adjustment of flow region 206, as well as the adjustment of fluid pressure supplied to branch loop through PRV outlet 204.

[0078] The accumulator 262 is configured to use a portion of the fluid energy within the pressure chamber 264 to generate stored energy. The accumulator 262 may include an elastic member (e.g., a spring 263) configured to store energy when compressed. The accumulator 262 may be configured to use a portion of the fluid energy within the pressure chamber 264 to compress the elastic member (e.g., the spring 263) to store at least a portion of the fluid energy within the pressure chamber 264. For example, in Figure 3 In the example, the energy storage device 262 includes a spring 263 and a spring plate 266. The spring 263 is configured to be compressed between the spring plate 266 and the sensing element 268. The spring 263 includes a first end 274 (“first end 274”) coupled to the sensing element 268 and a second end 276 (“second end 276”) coupled to the spring plate 266. The energy storage device 262 can be configured to use fluid energy within the pressure chamber 264 to translate the spring plate 266, thereby creating compression of the spring 263 between the first end 274 and the second end 276, and thus causing the spring 263 to use the fluid energy within the pressure chamber 264 to store energy.

[0079] Spring plate 266 can be configured to move (e.g., by deflection of a diaphragm or translation of a piston) based on the difference between a force (e.g., F3) acting on a first side 278 (“plate first side 278”) of spring plate 266 and a force (e.g., F4) acting on a second side 280 (“plate second side 280”) of spring plate 266. Spring plate 266 can be configured such that the fluid pressure within pressure chamber 264 results in a force F3 on plate first side 278. Spring plate 266 can be configured such that the second end 276 of the spring results in a force F4 on plate second side 280. Spring plate 266 is configured such that the force difference (e.g., between F3 and F4) causes spring plate 266 to move and results in movement of at least the second end 276 of the spring. For example, when force F3 exceeds force F4 (e.g., due to pressurization of pressure chamber 264 via pressure boosting valve 228), spring plate 266 can move in direction D2, resulting in movement of the second end 276 of the spring in direction D2. Movement in direction D2 reduces the displacement between the second end 276 and the first end 274 of the spring, thereby compressing the spring 263. Therefore, the spring plate 266 can be configured such that an increase in fluid pressure in the pressure chamber 264 leads to an increase in force F3, causing the spring plate 266 to move in direction D2 and compress the spring 263, allowing the spring 263 to store a portion of the fluid energy, thus increasing the pressure in the pressure chamber 264.

[0080] PRV 260 can be configured to use a first portion of the fluid energy introduced into pressure chamber 264 to position the flow-limiting element 212 and a second portion of the fluid energy introduced into pressure chamber 264 to cause the accumulator 262 to generate stored energy. For example, increasing the pressure in pressure chamber 264 (e.g., by using a pressure boosting valve 228 to allow flow into pressure chamber 264) can increase the force (e.g., F3) acting on the first side 278 of spring plate 266. The increased force on the first side 278 can cause movement of spring plate 266 (e.g., in direction D2), thereby causing the second end 276 of the spring to move in direction D2. Spring 276 can respond by compressing and storing a portion of the fluid energy introduced into pressure chamber 264 to increase pressure. Compression of spring 276 can result in an increase in the force F4 exerted by the second end 276 of the spring on spring plate 266 and an increase in the force F1 exerted by the first end 274 of the spring on sensing element 268. The increased force F1 can cause the sensing element 268 to move the flow-limiting element 212 in the direction of increasing the flow region 206 (e.g., in direction D2), thereby reducing the pressure drop across the flow-limiting element 212 and increasing the pressure within the low-pressure side 218.

[0081] PRV 260 can continue to increase the flow region 206 until the force F2 (caused by the fluid in the low-pressure side 218) is substantially equal to the force F1 (driven by the compression of spring 263 due to the pressure in pressure chamber 264). Therefore, PRV 260 can be configured such that an increase in fluid pressure within pressure chamber 264 causes sensing element 268 to use a first portion of the fluid energy introduced into pressure chamber 264 (e.g., the portion causing displacement of the first end 274 of the spring) to position flow-limiting element 212, and causes accumulator 262 to use a second portion of the fluid energy introduced into pressure chamber 264 (e.g., the portion causing compression or increased compression of spring 263) to generate stored energy.

[0082] Accumulator 262 can be configured to apply pressure to the fluid within pressure chamber 264. For example, accumulator 262 can be configured to apply pressure using an elastic member (e.g., spring 263). Accumulator 262 can be configured such that when the elastic member (e.g., spring 263) is compressed, the elasticity of the elastic member causes accumulator 262 to apply pressure to the fluid within pressure chamber 264. For example, spring 263 can be configured to apply a force (e.g., F4) on the second side 280 of the plate, thereby causing the first side 278 of the plate to apply pressure to the fluid in pressure chamber 264.

[0083] In the example, the accumulator 262 is configured to apply pressure to the fluid within the pressure chamber 264 when an elastic member (e.g., spring 263) expands from a compressed state. For example, when force F3 decreases (e.g., due to fluid being discharged from the pressure chamber 264 via vent valve 230) causing force F4 to exceed force F3, spring 263 can expand, thereby increasing the displacement between the first end 274 and the second end 276 of the spring. The increased displacement can cause the spring plate 266 to move in direction D1, thereby causing the first side 278 of the plate to apply pressure to the fluid in the pressure chamber 264 as discharge from the pressure chamber 264 continues and once discharge stops. Applying pressure to the pressure chamber 264 by the accumulator 262 allows the fluid in the pressure chamber 264 to be discharged to the low-pressure side 218 or some other point downstream of the flow-limiting element 212.

[0084] In some examples, PRV 260 can be configured such that the expansion of spring 263 results in a decrease in fluid pressure within pressure chamber 264. For example, the expansion of spring 263 (e.g., when spring plate 266 moves in direction D1) can result in a decrease in the force F4 exerted on spring plate 266 by spring second end 276, thereby reducing the fluid pressure in pressure chamber 264. In some examples, the expansion of spring 263 can further result in a decrease in the force F1 exerted on sensing element 268 by spring first end 274. The reduced force F1 can cause sensing element 268 to move flow-limiting element 212 in the direction of reducing flow region 206 (e.g., in direction D1), thereby increasing the pressure drop across flow-limiting element 212 and reducing the pressure within low-pressure side 218, and reducing force F2. PRV 260 can continue to reduce the flow region 206 until the force F2 (caused by the fluid in the low-pressure side 218) is substantially equal to the force F1 (caused by the compression of the spring 263 due to the pressure in the pressure chamber 264).

[0085] Therefore, PRV 260 can be configured such that changes in the fluid pressure within pressure chamber 264 alter the pressure setpoint of PRV 260. For example, as discussed above, increasing the pressure in pressure chamber 264 (e.g., using a booster valve 228 to allow fluid to flow into pressure chamber 264) can shift spring plate 266 in direction D2, and position the flow-limiting element 212 in PRV 260 to increase the fluid pressure in low-pressure side 218. Decreasing the pressure in pressure chamber 264 (e.g., using a vent valve 230 to allow fluid to drain from pressure chamber 264) can shift spring plate 266 in direction D1, and position the flow-limiting element 212 in PRV 260 to decrease the fluid pressure in low-pressure side 218.

[0086] In the example, PRV 260 is configured such that when the pressure in pressure chamber 264 is greater than the pressure in low-pressure side 218, the force (e.g., F1) on the first side 270 of sensing element 268 is substantially equal to the force (e.g., F2) on the second side 272. For example, the first side 278 of the plate may include a pressure region 279 in fluid communication with pressure chamber 264, and sensing element 268 may include a second region 281 in fluid communication with fluid in low-pressure side 218. In some examples, PRV 260 may be configured such that pressure region 279 is smaller than second region 281, so that when the pressure in pressure chamber 226 is greater than the pressure in low-pressure side 218, forces F3 and F1 may be substantially equal to force F2. In some examples, spring 263 may be configured such that when the pressure in pressure chamber 264 is greater than the pressure in low-pressure side 218, force F1 may be substantially equal to force F2. For example, spring 263 may have a spring constant such that when force F1 is substantially equal to force F2, the pressure in pressure chamber 264 is greater than the pressure in low-pressure side 218. The higher pressure in pressure chamber 264 enables PRV 260 to discharge fluid from pressure chamber 264 to a point downstream of PRV outlet 204, low-pressure side 218, or flow restrictor 212.

[0087] In some examples, pressure chamber 264 is at least partially defined or surrounded by valve body 201 and / or valve cap 240 of PRV 260. In some examples, pressure chamber 226 is at least partially defined or surrounded by spring plate 266. Pressure chamber 264 may comprise a volume surrounded by substantially airtight (e.g., airtight or airtight to the extent permitted by manufacturing tolerances) boundaries. This volume may have any suitable shape. PRV 260 is configured such that movement of spring plate 266 may cause pressure chamber 264 to expand (e.g., increase its volume) or contract (e.g., decrease its volume). Pressure chamber 264 is pressure chamber 226 ( Figure 2 Examples of ).

[0088] Spring plate 266 may define a periphery 282 surrounding at least a portion of spring plate 266. Spring plate 266 may be mechanically coupled and / or fixedly attached to body 201 and / or valve cap 240 around all or part of periphery 282. For example, spring plate 266 may be a specific diaphragm defining periphery 282 and fixedly attached around the entire periphery 282. As another example, spring plate 266 may be a piston having a periphery 221 that is slidably translational over a portion of body 201 and / or valve cap 240. First side 278 of plate may be configured to receive a force (e.g., F3) caused at least partially by pressurized fluid within pressure chamber 264. In the example, first side 278 of plate is in fluid communication with pressure chamber 264. PRV 260 may be configured such that first side 278 of plate is fluidly isolated from those portions of valve body 201 that are configured to be in fluid communication with fluid flowing from PRV inlet 202 to PRV outlet 204.

[0089] Figure 4 Another exemplary PRV 290 is shown. PRV 290 includes a valve body 201, a PRV inlet 202, a PRV outlet 204, a flow-limiting element 212 including a valve stem 214 and a valve disc 208, a high-pressure side 216, a low-pressure side 218, a sensing element 220, a pressure chamber 226, an accumulator 232, a conduit 234, a valve cap 240, a control circuit 242, an outlet pressure sensor 248, and a communication link 250. These components can be configured similarly to and operate in the same manner relative to the other PRV 260 components, including the same named components of PRV 110, PRV 130, PRV 144, PRV 146, PRV 148, PRV 150, PRV 200, and / or PRV 260. PRV 260 is an example of any one of PRV 110, PRV 130, PRV 144, PRV 146, PRV 148, PRV 150, PRV 200 and / or PRV 260.

[0090] PRV 290 includes a three-way valve 291 configured to allow fluid to flow into pressure chamber 226 and to allow fluid within pressure chamber 226 to drain from pressure chamber 226. The three-way valve 291 may have a first position that allows fluid to flow into pressure chamber 226 and, in some examples, prevents fluid from flowing out of chamber 226. For example, the first position may allow flow substantially from a location upstream of PRV inlet 202, high-pressure side 216, and / or flow-limiting element 212. The first position may establish a flow path (e.g., establish fluid communication) between inlet conduit 292 and pressure chamber conduit 294, allowing fluid to flow into pressure chamber 226 from a location upstream of PRV inlet 202, high-pressure side 216, and / or flow-limiting element 212 using inlet conduit 292 and pressure chamber conduit 294. The three-way valve 291 may be configured such that the first position fluidly isolates pressure chamber 226 from a location downstream of PRV outlet 204, low-pressure side 218, and / or flow-limiting element 212. For example, a first position can fluidly isolate pressure chamber 226 from outlet conduit 296, which is in fluid communication with a position downstream of PRV outlet 204, low-pressure side 218 and / or flow-limiting element 212.

[0091] The three-way valve 291 may have a second position that allows fluid in pressure chamber 226 to drain from pressure chamber 226 and, in some examples, prevents fluid from flowing into pressure chamber 226. For example, the second position may allow fluid in pressure chamber 226 to drain downstream of PRV outlet 204, low-pressure side 218, and / or flow restrictor 212. The second position may establish a flow path (e.g., establish fluid communication) between pressure chamber conduit 294 and outlet conduit 296, allowing fluid to drain from pressure chamber 226 and from pressure chamber 226 downstream of PRV outlet 204, low-pressure side 218, and / or flow restrictor 212 using pressure chamber conduit 294 and outlet conduit 296. The three-way valve 291 may be configured such that the second position fluidly isolates pressure chamber 226 upstream of PRV inlet 202, high-pressure side 216, and / or flow restrictor 212. For example, the second position may fluidly isolate pressure chamber 226 from inlet conduit 292.

[0092] In some examples, the three-way valve 291 is configured to fluidly isolate the pressure chamber 226 from a position upstream of the PRV inlet 202, the high-pressure side 216, and / or the flow-limiting element 212, and to fluidly isolate the pressure chamber 226 from a position downstream of the PRV outlet 204, the low-pressure side 218, and / or the flow-limiting element 212. For example, the three-way valve 291 may have a third position configured to fluidly isolate the pressure chamber 226 from the inlet conduit 292 and the outlet conduit 296.

[0093] In some examples, control circuitry 242 is configured to communicate with three-way valve 291 and direct (e.g., directly or indirectly control) three-way valve 291 to allow fluid to flow into pressure chamber 226. Control circuitry 242 may also be configured to communicate with three-way valve 291 and direct three-way valve 291 to allow fluid to drain from pressure chamber 226. Control circuitry 242 may communicate with three-way valve 291 using, for example, a communication link 298.

[0094] Control circuit 242 can be configured to increase the pressure in pressure chamber 226 by establishing a first position of three-way valve 291, allowing fluid to flow into pressure chamber 226 (e.g., upstream of PRV inlet 202, high-pressure side 216, and / or flow-limiting element 212). Control circuit 242 can be configured to decrease the pressure by establishing a second position of three-way valve 291, allowing fluid to drain from pressure chamber 226 (e.g., downstream of PRV outlet 204, low-pressure side 218, and / or flow-limiting element 212). Control circuit 242 can be configured to increase and / or decrease the pressure of fluid within pressure chamber 226 based on a signal indicating the pressure received from outlet pressure sensor 248.

[0095] In some examples, the PRV 290 includes a chamber pressure sensor 302 and / or an inlet pressure sensor 304. The chamber pressure sensor 302 can be configured to sense the pressure within the pressure chamber 226. The inlet pressure sensor 304 can be configured to sense the pressure at the PRV inlet 202, within the high-pressure side 216, or upstream of the flow-limiting element 212. The control circuitry 242 can be configured to increase and / or decrease the pressure of the fluid within the pressure chamber 226 based on signals indicating the pressure received from the chamber pressure sensor 302 and / or the inlet pressure sensor 304. The control circuitry 242 can be configured to receive signals from the chamber pressure sensor 370 via a communication link 306 and / or is configured to receive signals from the chamber pressure sensor 370 via a communication link 308.

[0096] The outlet pressure sensor 248, chamber pressure sensor 302, and / or inlet pressure sensor 304 (“sensors 248, 302, 304”) may be located adjacent to or within a housing defined by the valve body 201, or may be located within a sensor housing configured to remain substantially separate from the valve body 201. Sensors 248, 302, 304 may be configured to generate a signal based on pressure applied to a portion of the sensor. Sensors 248, 302, 304 may be configured to sense the outlet pressure using any type of force collector, including, for example, a diaphragm, piston, Bourdon tube, bellows, or other collector. Sensors 248, 302, 304 may convert the pressure into an electrical signal using, for example, a piezoresistive strain gauge, capacitor, electromagnet, optical fiber, potentiometer brush, or other device. Sensors 248, 302, 304 may be configured to sense absolute pressure or gauge pressure.

[0097] The signals indicating the pressure generated by sensors 248, 302, and 304 can be analog electrical signals or digital signals. In some examples, sensors 248, 302, and 304 may include processing circuitry configured to interpret the response of their respective force collectors and generate pressure-indicating signals, and / or control circuitry 242 may be configured to interpret the response of its respective force collector and generate pressure-indicating signals. Sensors 248, 302, and 304 may be configured to provide pressure-indicating signals to other devices that communicate data with outlet pressure sensor 248.

[0098] Control circuitry 242 and other control circuitry described herein may include any suitable arrangement of hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof to perform the techniques attributed to control circuitry 242 herein. For example, control circuitry 242 may include any one or more microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or any other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuitry, and any combination of such components. Control circuitry 242 may be located adjacent to or within a housing defined by valve body 201, or may be located within a controller housing configured to remain separate from valve body 201. Additionally, control circuitry 242 may be configured to regulate the pressure in the pressure chambers of PRVs other than PRV 200.

[0099] Communication links 244, 246, 250, 298, 306, and / or 308 (“Communication Links 244, 246, 250, 298, 306, 308”) and other communication links described herein may be hardwired and / or wireless communication links. In some examples, communication links 244, 246, 250, 298, 306, and 308 may include a portion of control circuitry 242. Communication links 244, 246, 250, 298, 306, and 308 may include wired connections, wireless Internet connections, or direct wireless connections such as wireless LAN or Bluetooth. TM Wi-Fi TM And / or infrared connections. Communication links 244, 246, 250, 298, 306, and 308 can utilize any wireless or remote communication protocol.

[0100] The booster valve 228, vent valve 230, and / or three-way valve 291 (“one or more valves 228, 230, 291”) can each be any suitable valve, such as, but not limited to, a ball valve, gate valve, spool valve, lift valve, or any other type of valve mechanism that can be configured to control a flow path from inlet to outlet. In some examples, one or more valves 228, 230, 291 can be remotely actuated valves. In some examples, one or more valves 228, 230, 291 include a solenoid actuator configured to influence the position of a plunger mechanically coupled to a flow-limiting element such as a valve disc. One or more valves 228, 230, 291 can be configured to shift the flow-limiting element based on the supply of control fluid. For example, one or more valves 228, 230, 291 can be hydraulically or pneumatically operated valves. One or more valves 228, 230, 291 may include processing circuitry configured to control components of one or more valves 228, 230, 291 in response to received electrical or electronic communication. The processing circuitry may be provided by or separate from control circuitry 242. One or more valves 228, 230, 291 may be configured to provide communication to other devices that are in data communication with one or more valves 228, 230, 291. Control circuitry 242 may direct one or more valves 228, 230, 291 to fully or partially open, and may direct one or more valves 228, 230, 291 to fully or partially close.

[0101] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary technique for regulating pressure is shown. Although primarily referenced to PRV 200 ( Figure 2 ), PRV260 ( Figure 3 ) and / or PRV 290 ( Figure 4 This describes the technique, but in other examples, the technique can be used in conjunction with... Figure 1 It may be used in conjunction with PRV110, PRV130, PRV144, PRV146, PRV148 and / or PRV150 or another PRV described herein. Additionally, control circuitry 242 may be performed alone or in combination with control circuitry of other devices. Figure 5 Any part of the technology shown in the document.

[0102] according to Figure 5 The technology illustrated involves control circuitry 242 determining the sensed pressure (502) based on signals from pressure sensors such as pressure sensors 248, 302, and 304. In this example, control circuitry 242 communicates with sensors 248, 302, and 304 using communication links 250, 306, and 308. Control circuitry 242 can compare the sensed pressure with a pressure setpoint. The pressure setpoint can be provided by control circuitry 242 via communication from another device or via a user interface of control circuitry 242. In some examples, control circuitry 242 establishes the pressure setpoint based on specific criteria such as: time of day, scheduling operations that request or anticipate requesting specific fluid demand from PRVs 200, 260, and 290, and / or actuation of a specific fluid load supplied by PRVs 200, 260, and 290.

[0103] Control circuit 242 modifies the pressure in pressure chambers 226 and 264 of PRV 200, 260, and 290 (504) based on a comparison of the sensed pressure with the pressure setpoint. Control circuit 242 can increase the pressure in pressure chambers 226 and 264 by causing booster valve 228 and / or three-way valve 291 to allow fluid with fluid energy to flow into pressure chambers 226 and 264. In this example, control circuit 242 opens or partially opens booster valve 228 and / or three-way valve 291 to allow fluid to flow into pressure chambers 26 and 264. Booster valve 228 and / or three-way valve 291 are configured to allow fluid with fluid energy to flow into pressure chambers 226 and 264. Booster valve 228 and / or three-way valve 291 can establish fluid communication between pressure chambers 226 and 264 and points upstream of PRV inlet 202, high-pressure side 216, and / or flow-limiting element 212. Control circuit 242 can communicate via communication links 244, 298 and open or partially open booster valve 228 and / or three-way valve 291 to allow fluid with fluid energy to flow into pressure chambers 226, 264. Control circuit 242 can be configured to use booster valve 228 and / or three-way valve 291 to increase the pressure in pressure chambers 226, 264 until the pressure sensed by sensors 248, 302, 304 indicates a specific pressure or a pressure value within a specified range.

[0104] Control circuit 242 can reduce the pressure in pressure chambers 226, 264 by causing vent valve 230 and / or three-way valve 291 to allow fluid to be discharged from pressure chambers 226, 264. In the example, control circuit 242 opens or partially opens vent valve 230 and / or three-way valve 291 to allow fluid to be discharged from pressure chambers 26, 264. Vent valve 230 and / or three-way valve 291 are configured to discharge fluid from pressure chambers 226, 264. PRVs 200, 260, 290 can discharge fluid from pressure chambers 226, 264, 290 to a point downstream of PRV outlet 204, low-pressure side 218, and / or flow restrictor 212. PRVs 200, 260, 290 may include vent valve 230 and / or three-way valve 291 configured to discharge fluid from pressure chambers 226, 264. Vent valve 230 and / or three-way valve 291 can establish fluid communication between pressure chambers 226, 264 and points downstream of PRV outlet 204, low-pressure side 218, and / or flow-limiting element 212. Control circuitry 242 can communicate via communication links 246, 298 and open or partially open vent valve 230 and / or three-way valve 291 to allow fluid with fluid energy to be discharged from pressure chambers 226, 264. Control circuitry 242 can be configured to use vent valve 230 and / or three-way valve 291 to reduce the pressure in pressure chambers 226, 264 until the pressure sensed by sensors 248, 302, 304 indicates a specific pressure or a pressure value within a specified range.

[0105] In the example, the technique includes delivering a first portion of fluid energy to sensing elements 220, 268. PRVs 200, 260, 290 include pressure chambers 226, 264 configured to deliver the first portion of fluid energy to sensing elements 220, 268 and configured to cause the first portion of fluid energy to generate a force (e.g., F1) acting on first sides 222, 270 of sensing elements 220, 268. Sensing elements 220, 268 are configured to move (e.g., by deflection of a diaphragm or translation of a piston) and modify the position of flow-limiting element 212 based on the difference between the force (e.g., F1) acting on the first sides 222, 270 of sensing elements 220, 268 and the force (e.g., F2) acting on second sides 224, 272 of sensing elements 220, 268. Movement of sensing element 220 results in movement of flow-limiting element 212 and adjustment of flow region 206.

[0106] In the example, the technology includes delivering a second portion of the fluid energy to accumulators 232, 262. Pressure chambers 226, 264 are configured to deliver the second portion of the fluid energy to accumulators 232, 262. Accumulators 232, 262 are configured to use the second portion of the fluid energy to generate stored energy. In the example, accumulators 232, 262 include a container (e.g., a bladder) in fluid communication with pressure chamber 226 and configured to establish a gas-fluid interface 254 between gas 255 (e.g., air) and liquid 256 (e.g., water). Pressure chambers 226, 264 can be configured to allow a certain amount of fluid flowing to pressure chambers 226, 264 (e.g., via pressure boosting valve 228 and / or three-way valve 291) to flood into accumulators 232, 262 and compress gas 255 to generate stored energy. Pressure chambers 226, 264 can be configured to apply pressure to a certain amount of fluid flowing into pressure chambers 226, 264 and cause compression of an elastic element such as spring 263 using, for example, spring plate 266. Spring 263 can be configured to compress between spring plate 266 and sensing elements 220, 268. PRVs 200, 260, 290 can be configured such that spring 263 uses a first portion of the fluid energy delivered to pressure chambers 226, 264 to displace a first end 274 of the spring, resulting in displacement of sensing elements 220, 268, and spring 263 uses a second portion of the fluid energy delivered to pressure chambers 226, 264 to cause compression of spring 263.

[0107] In the example, accumulators 232 and 262 are configured to apply pressure to the fluid within pressure chambers 226 and 264. In the example, accumulators 232 and 262 are configured to use the pressure of gas 255 to apply pressure to the fluid within pressure chambers 226 and 264. In the example, accumulators 232 and 262 are configured to use the compression of an elastic element (e.g., spring 263) to apply pressure to the fluid within pressure chambers 226 and 264 via a first side 278 of, for example, spring plate 266. In the example, PRVs 200, 260, and 290 are configured to use the pressure applied by accumulators 232 and 262 to allow fluid to be discharged from pressure chambers 226 and 264.

[0108] The techniques described in this disclosure (including those attributed to control circuit 242) Figure 2The technology, including and other control circuits, processing circuits, sensors, or various constituent components, can be implemented at least in part in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. For example, various aspects of the technology can be implemented within one or more processors embodied in any suitable device, including one or more microprocessors, DSPs, ASICs, FPGAs, or any other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuits, and any combination of such components. Processing circuits, control circuits, and sensing circuits, as well as other processors, controllers, and sensors described herein, can be implemented at least in part as or include, for example, one or more executable applications, application modules, libraries, classes, methods, objects, routines, subroutines, firmware, and / or embedded code. Furthermore, instead of some or all of the digital hardware and / or software described herein, or other than some or all of the digital hardware and / or software described herein, analog circuits, components, and circuit elements can be used to construct one, some, or all of the control circuits and sensors. Therefore, analog or digital hardware, or a combination of both, can be employed.

[0109] In one or more examples, the functionality described in this disclosure may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functionality may be stored as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium and may be executed by a hardware-based processing unit. The computer-readable medium may be an article of manufacture including a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium in which instructions are encoded. Instructions embedded or encoded in an article of manufacture including an encoded non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may cause one or more programmable processors or other processors to implement one or more of the techniques described herein, such as when the instructions included or encoded in the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium are executed by one or more processors. Exemplary non-transitory computer-readable storage media may include RAM, ROM, programmable ROM (PROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, hard disk, optical disk ROM (CD-ROM), floppy disk, magnetic tape cassette, magnetic media, optical media, or any other computer-readable storage device or tangible computer-readable medium.

[0110] In some examples, computer-readable storage media include non-transitory media. The term "non-transitory" can indicate that the storage medium is not embodied in a carrier wave or propagating signal. In some examples, non-transitory storage media can store data that can change over time (e.g., in RAM or cache).

[0111] The functionality described herein can be provided within dedicated hardware and / or software modules. Describing different features as modules or units is intended to highlight different functional aspects and does not necessarily imply that such modules or units must be implemented by separate hardware or software components. Rather, the functionality associated with one or more modules or units can be performed by separate hardware or software components, or integrated within common or separate hardware or software components. Furthermore, the technology can be fully implemented within one or more circuit or logic elements.

[0112] This disclosure includes the following examples.

[0113] Example 1: A valve comprising: a flow-limiting element; a valve body defining a pressure chamber; one or more valves in fluid communication with the pressure chamber, wherein the one or more valves are configured to allow a fluid having fluid energy to flow into the pressure chamber; a sensing element configured to position the flow-limiting element using a first portion of the fluid energy; and an accumulator configured to generate stored energy using a second portion of the fluid energy, wherein the pressure chamber is configured to deliver the first portion of the fluid energy to the sensing element, and wherein the pressure chamber is configured to deliver the second portion of the fluid energy to the accumulator.

[0114] Example 2: The valve of Example 1, wherein the accumulator is configured to apply pressure to the fluid in the pressure chamber using the stored energy.

[0115] Example 3: A valve of any combination of Examples 1-2, wherein the accumulator is configured to generate stored energy when the pressure in the pressure chamber increases, and wherein the accumulator is configured to release at least a portion of the stored energy when the pressure in the pressure chamber decreases.

[0116] Example 4: Any combination of valves in Examples 1-3, further comprising: a valve inlet; and an inlet pressure line located between the pressure chamber and the valve inlet, wherein the one or more valves are configured to allow fluid with fluid energy to flow through the inlet pressure line to the pressure chamber.

[0117] Example 5: A valve of any combination of Examples 1-4, wherein the one or more valves are configured to allow fluid in the pressure chamber to be discharged from the pressure chamber.

[0118] Example 6: The valve of Example 5, wherein the accumulator is configured to release at least a portion of the stored energy when the one or more valves enable fluid in the pressure chamber to be discharged from the pressure chamber.

[0119] Example 7: Any combination of valves in Examples 5-6, further comprising: a valve outlet; and an outlet pressure line located between the pressure chamber and the valve outlet, wherein the one or more valves are configured to allow fluid in the pressure chamber to be discharged from the pressure chamber through the outlet pressure line.

[0120] Example 8: A valve of any combination of Examples 1-7, further comprising: a pressure sensor configured to generate a signal indicating a sensed pressure; and control circuitry configured to: determine the sensed pressure based on the signal, and increase or decrease the pressure in the pressure chamber based on a comparison of the sensed pressure with a pressure setpoint, wherein the control circuitry is configured to: increase the pressure in the pressure chamber by causing at least one or more valves to allow fluid having the fluid energy to flow into the pressure chamber; and decrease the pressure in the pressure chamber by causing at least one or more valves to allow fluid in the pressure chamber to be discharged from the pressure chamber.

[0121] Example 9: A valve of any combination of Examples 1-8, further comprising a valve body defining a flow path from valve inlet to valve outlet, wherein: a pressure chamber is configured to apply a first force on a flow-limiting element in a first direction using a first pressure of fluid in the pressure chamber, and a sensing element is configured to apply a force on the flow-limiting element in a second direction using a second pressure of fluid in the flow path.

[0122] Example 10: A valve of any combination of Examples 1-9, further comprising a valve body defining a flow path from valve inlet to valve outlet, wherein: a first region within the valve body and at least partially defined by a sensing element is configured to generate a first force on a flow-limiting element when the first region is in fluid communication with fluid in a pressure chamber; a second region within the valve body and at least partially defined by a sensing element is configured to generate a second force opposite to the first force on the flow-limiting element when the second region is in fluid communication with fluid in the flow path; and the first region is smaller than the second region.

[0123] Example 11: A valve of any combination of Examples 1-10, wherein the one or more valves include a booster valve and a vent valve, the booster valve being configured to allow the fluid to flow into the pressure chamber, and the vent valve being configured to allow the fluid in the pressure chamber to be discharged from the pressure chamber.

[0124] Example 12: A valve of any combination of Examples 1-11, wherein the one or more valves include a three-way valve having at least a first position and a second position, wherein the three-way valve is configured to allow fluid to flow into the pressure chamber in the first position and to allow fluid in the pressure chamber to be discharged from the pressure chamber in the second position.

[0125] Example 13: A valve of any combination of Examples 1-12, wherein the accumulator is configured to generate the stored energy by using a second portion of the fluid energy to at least compress the gas.

[0126] Example 14: A valve of any combination of Examples 1-13, wherein the accumulator is configured to generate the stored energy by using a second portion of the fluid energy to at least compress the spring element.

[0127] Example 15: A valve comprising: a valve inlet; a valve outlet; a flow-limiting element between the valve inlet and the valve outlet; a valve body defining a pressure chamber; an inlet pressure line located between the valve inlet and the pressure chamber; an outlet pressure line located between the valve outlet and the pressure chamber; one or more valves in fluid communication with the pressure chamber, wherein the one or more valves are configured to: allow fluid having fluid energy to flow from the valve inlet to the pressure chamber through the inlet pressure line, and are configured to allow fluid energy in the pressure chamber to be discharged from the pressure chamber to the valve outlet through the outlet pressure line; a sensing element configured to locate the flow-limiting element using a first portion of the fluid energy; and an accumulator configured to generate stored energy using a second portion of the fluid energy, wherein: the pressure chamber is configured to deliver the first portion of the fluid energy to the sensing element, the pressure chamber is configured to deliver the second portion of the fluid energy to the accumulator, and the accumulator is configured to apply pressure to the fluid in the pressure chamber using the stored energy.

[0128] Example 16: The valve of Example 15 further includes: a pressure sensor configured to generate a signal indicating a sensed pressure; and control circuitry configured to: determine the sensed pressure based on the signal; and increase or decrease the pressure in the pressure chamber based on a comparison of the sensed pressure with a pressure setpoint, wherein the control circuitry is configured to: increase the pressure in the pressure chamber by causing at least one or more valves to allow fluid having the fluid energy to flow from the valve inlet to the pressure chamber through the inlet pressure line; and decrease the pressure in the pressure chamber by causing at least one or more valves to allow fluid in the pressure chamber to be discharged from the pressure chamber to the valve outlet through the outlet pressure line.

[0129] Example 17: A valve of any combination of Examples 15-16, wherein the accumulator is configured to generate the stored energy when the pressure in the pressure chamber increases, and wherein the accumulator is configured to discharge at least a portion of the stored energy when the pressure in the pressure chamber decreases.

[0130] Example 18: A valve of any combination of Examples 15-17, wherein the accumulator is configured to release at least a portion of the stored energy when the one or more valves enable fluid in the pressure chamber to be discharged from the pressure chamber to the valve outlet via the outlet pressure line.

[0131] Example 19: A method comprising: determining a sensed pressure using a control circuit based on a signal from a pressure sensor; comparing the sensed pressure with a pressure setpoint using the control circuit; and changing the pressure in a pressure chamber of a valve using the control circuit based on the comparison of the sensed pressure with the pressure setpoint by: increasing the pressure in the pressure chamber by causing a pressure boosting valve to allow fluid with fluid energy to flow into the pressure chamber using the control circuit; and decreasing the pressure in the pressure chamber by causing a vent valve to allow fluid to be discharged from the pressure chamber using the control circuit.

[0132] Example 20: The method of Example 19 further includes: delivering a first portion of the fluid energy to a sensing element of the valve; delivering a second portion of the fluid energy to an accumulator of the valve; using the sensing element and the first portion of the fluid energy to locate a flow-limiting element of the valve; and using the accumulator and the second portion of the fluid energy to store energy.

[0133] Various examples are described. These and other examples are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A valve, comprising: The current-limiting element includes a valve stem and a valve disc connected together; A valve body defining a pressure chamber, wherein the valve body defines a flow path from the high-pressure side of the valve to the low-pressure side of the valve; One or more valves are in fluid communication with the pressure chamber, wherein the one or more valves are configured to allow a liquid with fluid energy to flow into the pressure chamber; A sensing element configured to position the flow-limiting element using a first portion of the fluid energy, wherein the sensing element is configured to move the flow-limiting element based on the pressure of the fluid in the flow path; and An energy storage device, configured to use a second portion of the fluid energy to generate stored energy, wherein the energy storage device is configured to establish a gas-fluid interface between the liquid and gas within the energy storage device. The pressure chamber is configured to deliver a first portion of the fluid energy to the sensing element. The pressure chamber is configured to deliver a second portion of the fluid energy to the accumulator. The accumulator is configured to apply pressure to the liquid in the pressure chamber, and The sensing element is configured to adjust the position of the flow-limiting element when the accumulator applies pressure to the liquid in the pressure chamber and the pressure chamber is fluidly isolated from the flow path by the one or more valves.

2. The valve according to claim 1, wherein, The energy storage device is configured to generate the stored energy when the pressure in the pressure chamber increases, and wherein the energy storage device is configured to release at least a portion of the stored energy when the pressure in the pressure chamber decreases.

3. The valve according to any one of claims 1-2, further comprising: Valve inlet in the flow path; as well as An inlet pressure line is located between the pressure chamber and the valve inlet, wherein the one or more valves are configured to allow the liquid having the fluid energy to flow through the inlet pressure line into the pressure chamber.

4. The valve according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein, The one or more valves are configured to allow liquid in the pressure chamber to be discharged from the pressure chamber.

5. The valve according to claim 4, wherein, The accumulator is configured to release at least a portion of the stored energy when the one or more valves allow fluid in the pressure chamber to be discharged from the pressure chamber.

6. The valve according to claim 4, further comprising: Valve outlet in the flow path; as well as An outlet pressure line is located between the pressure chamber and the valve outlet, wherein the one or more valves are configured to allow liquid in the pressure chamber to be discharged from the pressure chamber through the outlet pressure line.

7. The valve according to any one of claims 1-2, further comprising: A pressure sensor configured to generate a signal indicating the sensed pressure; as well as Control circuit, the control circuit being configured to: The sensed pressure is determined based on the signal, and The pressure in the pressure chamber is increased or decreased based on a comparison between the sensed pressure and a pressure setpoint, wherein the control circuit is configured to: The pressure in the pressure chamber is increased by causing at least one or more valves to allow the liquid with the fluid energy to flow into the pressure chamber; as well as The pressure in the pressure chamber is reduced by causing at least one or more valves to allow liquid in the pressure chamber to be discharged from the pressure chamber.

8. The valve according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein: The pressure chamber is configured to apply a first force to the flow-limiting element in a first direction using a first pressure of the fluid in the pressure chamber, and The sensing element is configured to apply a force to the flow-limiting element in a second direction using a second pressure of the fluid in the flow path.

9. The valve according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein: The sensing element at least partially defines a first region, wherein the sensing element is configured to generate a first force on the flow-limiting element when the first region is in fluid communication with fluid in the pressure chamber. The sensing element at least partially defines a second region, wherein the sensing element is configured to generate a second force opposite to the first force on the flow-limiting element when the second region is in fluid communication with fluid in the flow path, and The first region is smaller than the second region.

10. The valve according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein, The one or more valves include: A pressure boosting valve, configured to allow the liquid having the fluid energy to flow into the pressure chamber; and A vent valve is configured to allow the liquid in the pressure chamber to be discharged from the pressure chamber.

11. The valve according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein, The one or more valves include a three-way valve having at least a first position and a second position, wherein the three-way valve is configured to allow the liquid having the fluid energy to flow into the pressure chamber in the first position and to allow the liquid in the pressure chamber to be discharged from the pressure chamber in the second position.

12. The valve according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein, The energy storage device is configured to generate the stored energy by using a second portion of the fluid energy to compress at least the gas.

13. The valve according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein, The energy storage device is configured to generate the stored energy by using a second portion of the fluid energy to compress at least the spring element.

14. A method for regulating pressure, comprising: A valve is used to hold a liquid in a pressure chamber defined by the valve, wherein the valve includes an accumulator configured to apply pressure to the liquid held in the pressure chamber, wherein the accumulator is configured to establish a gas-fluid interface between the liquid and a gas in the accumulator; The control circuitry determines the sensed pressure based on signals from the pressure sensor. The control circuit is used to compare the sensed pressure with the pressure setpoint. The control circuit uses the following steps to change the pressure applied to the liquid held in the pressure chamber based on a comparison between the sensed pressure and the pressure setpoint: The pressure applied to the liquid held in the pressure chamber is increased by using the control circuit to cause the pressure valve to allow the liquid flow into the pressure chamber; as well as The pressure applied to the liquid held in the pressure chamber is reduced by using the control circuit to cause the vent valve to discharge at least a portion of the liquid held in the pressure chamber from the pressure chamber; as well as When the accumulator applies pressure to the liquid held in the pressure chamber and the booster valve and the vent valve isolate the pressure chamber from the fluid flow path defined by the valve, the position of the valve's flow-limiting element is adjusted using the valve's sensing element, wherein the sensing element is configured to move the flow-limiting element based on the pressure of the fluid in the flow path, wherein the flow-limiting element includes a valve stem and a valve disc coupled together.

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